Kinnelon falls to Randolph 2-0

Last year Kinnelon lost two games all year, now after five games the Kinnelon hockey team has equalled that number. On Wednesday afternoon they got a welcome to the Mennen Division when two-time defending cup champion and NJSIAA Public A semifinalist Randolph outskated them. The game was close and for their part the Colts played extremely well. They are young and will make their share of mistakes as the newer players get their first extensive ice time facing some of the best teams the state has to offer but make no mistke, Kinnelon is in that upper echelon of teams and they got there the old fashioned way; they earned it.

The teams skated evenly but the Rams were able to score twice, on the exact same play to take the lead after two. In the first Nick Kovary was able to follow up a shot by Kyle Kepple at the 10:15 mark. In the second period the Colts came out flying and seemed to be getting their offense untracked but consecutive penalties had them skating one man down for four full minutes. Back at full strength Kovary and Kepple pulled off the same play as they did earlier to make the score 2-0.

Down 2-0, Kinnelon knew they needed to score quickly, put themselves down one score, which would give them a chance, but they never got that goal in spite of outshooting Randolph 10-6 in the period. Dan Fullam was outstanding in goal for the Rams stopping all 24 shots. Kinnelon's Jeff Molner allowed two goals but was solid in the net all game. He withstood 21 shots in the first two periods and had 25 saves on the day.

With a 3-2 record they get to play Jefferson, the team they last played at the Prudential Center in the state championship game. That game will be played Saturday at Skylands. The Colts will look to get back to their winning ways. They need to win the games against those in the Halvorsen as their Mennen schedule is going to be challenging. It shouldn't be a problem though, this team has accepted and met every challenge thrown their way. How that plays out as wins and losses remains to be seen, but they know they are up for it and that's all for which you can hope.